Caring For Your Baby’s Teeth
When it comes to dental care, Dr. Emilie is a big advocate for prevention and early intervention. Early childhood decay in Hawai‘i is one of the highest in the nation, and we believe that education is key to helping you best prepare your keiki for healthy smiles.
When Should You Begin Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth?
Did you know that caring for your child’s teeth begins during pregnancy? Cavities are caused by bacteria or germs, which your baby can catch from you. If you have healthy teeth and gums, this can reduce the risk of passing cavity-causing germs to your baby’s mouth.
Sometimes there’s the misconception that dental treatment during pregnancy isn’t safe. That’s not true! If you’re an expecting mother, it’s even more important to visit the dentist regularly. Continue to establish proper oral hygiene habits and try to eat a healthy diet. Not easy when you’re having pregnancy cravings, we know! Aim for moderation and brushing regularly can help.
What You Can Expect At Your Child’s First Dental Visit
You want to take good care of your baby’s primary teeth. They help children eat, speak, and smile while holding space for their permanent teeth. By taking care of baby teeth, you increase the chances of your little one having a healthy mouth for life.
According to the American Dental Association, children should start seeing a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or no later than their first birthday for preventive care and early detection.
During this appointment, Dr. Emilie will examine your child’s teeth for cavities and check the growth and development of their bite. She will also teach healthy oral care habits, which may include how to brush and floss, which foods and drinks cause cavities, and how to break habits that may harm their teeth. This is a good time to ask any questions you might have about your baby’s developing teeth. She’ll be more than happy to give parents tips and information for preventing accidents that can impact their baby’s developing teeth.
Children and Cavities
Cavities can be painful for kids and cause problems with eating, speaking, and learning. If they’re left untreated, these issues can affect their permanent teeth and cause long-term oral health issues, from infections to tooth loss.
Here are a few tips for preventing cavities in infants and young children:
Clean your baby’s gums daily with a wet washcloth.
Once baby’s teeth appear brush 2 times a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid letting your child go to bed with a bottle or training cup. Sugary liquids can pool around your baby’s teeth and allow cavity-causing bacteria to flourish.
Avoid frequent snacking on sugary, sticky foods and sugary liquids throughout the day.
Avoid sharing utensils or placing your baby’s pacifier in your mouth before giving it to your child. This prevents cavity-causing bacteria to be passed to them.
Have your baby visit the dentist after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Baby teeth can start decay as soon as they erupt, so establishing healthy oral habits is important.
Schedule regular checkups every six months; changes in the mouth can happen quickly.
Have any more questions about early intervention for healthy teeth? Contact Dr. Emilie today to schedule an appointment.
